The people who make up the UT Institute of Agriculture are the driving force behind the Real. Life. Solutions. we create and deliver. Learn more about some of our faculty, staff, students, and alumni whose work sets them apart.
Faculty
Jennifer Richards
Associate Professor and Extension Specialist empowers future leaders in agriculture through innovative STEM education and outdoor learning experiences
Karen DeLong
Associate Professor of Agricultural and Resource Economics recognized for dedication to education and community with UT Knoxville Athletics Professor of Excellence award
Juan Luis Jurat-Fuentes
Professor of Entomology and Plant Pathology develops innovative and environmentally friendly insect control tools to support farmers in Tennessee and beyond
Staff
Chris Cooper
UT-TSU Extension Shelby County Director Inspires Growth Through Leadership and Community Programs
Holly Jones
Horticulturalist cultivates spaces for people to connect with nature at UT Gardens, Knoxville
Blake Brown
AgResearch and Education Center at Milan director carries a legacy of agricultural research
Students
Conner Boley
Legacy Student and Class of 2026 President Embraces Transformative Education and Leadership Opportunities at UTCVM
Rachel Hefton
Plant sciences student’s experience in undergraduate research fosters growth in specialty crop production
Adrianna Johnson
First-generation Herbert student strives to create a welcoming environment for minorities in agriculture
Alumni
Rudi Wimberley
Plant sciences alumna (’21) thrives in creating innovative outdoor spaces as a landscape designer
Lydia White
Food Science alum (’02) set to represent the United States as an orthopaedic surgeon caring for athletes in the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris
Charlie Hatcher
UTCVM Alum (’84) Serves Tennessee’s Farmers and Foresters as the State’s 38th Commissioner of Agriculture
